18 Degrees North

Description from the owner

Welcome to Paradise...with all the amenities. This 2,200 SF oceanfront Hacienda was built in 2006 with a family or one, two or three couples in mind. This home sits RIGHT ON THE BEACH, 6 mile north of San Pedro Town , where the 18th Parallel crosses Ambergris Caye....hence the name "18 Degrees North."

As you walk out the French Doors, which adorn the front of the Hacienda, you step onto a 55' verandah which offers you refuge from the occasional tropical shower or the Caribbean sun. The next step down is to the pool which has a built is seats so you can easily read and sun while in the water. The pool is surrounded by a spacious deck with comfortable cushioned lounge and beach chairs. Ten more strides and you are where the sand and sea meet. Your next strides will bring you to the end of our 250' pier where you can lay in one of our hammocks, under our 16' square palapa ( thatch roofed open hut) or swim in the Caribbean from our swimming dock which has a large set of stairs that afford easy in-and-out access.
The kitchen has most of the amenities of a modern home...oven, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator/freezer, toaster,etc. We supply 5 gallon jugs of purified water for your drinking and cooking. One is hooked up with a pump to the refrigerator/freezer and supplies you with both pure cold water and ice. There is an island counter/bar with a sink that faces the Caribbean and French Doors overlooking the pool, so that whomever has cooking duty can enjoy the view and breezes.
One bedroom has a King Size Bed and the other has Two Queens. Large bathrooms with two sinks each and a walk in glass block shower are attached to each bedroom, as are individual walk-in closets. Laundry room with washer & dryer. Iron, and both beach and bath towels are included. Each bedroom has a porch outside the room with seating for two.
There is a spacious living room which opens onto the verandah and pool area. Here you will find Hughes Net satellite internet ( both fixed desk top and a wireless router), Cable TV ( also in each bedroom), XM radio receiver for music both inside and around the pool, DVD and CD player.
The furniture throughout is built for people of above average size, as one of the owners is 6'3" tall and tips in at about 250. The daytime temperature year round is mostly in the 80's, with the French Doors open and the trade winds off the sea you will find it quite comfortable without the air conditioning on. On the other hand we usually close up the doors in the evening and turn on the A/C in the bedrooms to keep the humidity at a comfortable level.
The property has a large assortment of fine Belizean artwork displayed throughout.
Ernesto and Samantha are our caretakers and live in their casita ( smaller house) toward the back of the property. They are there to make sure your trip is comfortable and safe. They will help you with local knowledge regarding activities, shopping, restaurants, etc. We have written about Ernesto's services in the "Location Description" below. You should also know that Samantha is a great cook in the island tradition of beans and rice, local herbs, fruit and veggies and entrees of fish, chicken, shrimp, conch and pork. She charges $50 US + the cost of ingredients to prepare, cook, serve and clean up a meal for up to 4 people....add $12.50 for each added person. If you go out with Ernesto fishing, spear-fishing or diving for lobster &/or conch you entree will be taken care of. He will prepare the catch and present it to Samantha for cooking.
One more gem to mention....Betsy. She is our guard dog. Very friendly to our guests and very good at keeping vendors and outsiders at a distance.
Upon arrival into San Pedro Ernesto will greet you and upon departure he will make sure you are delivered to the airport/ water taxi on time. cushioned lounge and beach chairs. Ten more strides and you are where the sand and sea meet. Your next strides will bring you to the end of our 250' pier where you can lay in one of our hammocks, under our 16' square palapa ( thatch roofed open hut) or swim in the Caribbean from our swimming dock which has a large set of stairs that afford easy in-and-out access.

The kitchen has most of the amenities of a modern home...oven, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator/freezer, toaster,etc. We supply 5 gallon jugs of purified water for your drinking and cooking. One is hooked up with a pump to the refrigerator/freezer and supplies you with both pure cold water and ice. There is an island counter/bar with a sink that faces the Caribbean and French Doors overlooking the pool, so that whomever has cooking duty can enjoy the view and breezes.

One bedroom has a King Size Bed and the other has Two Queens. Large bathrooms with two sinks each and a walk in glass block shower are attached to each bedroom, as are individual walk-in closets. Laundry room with washer & dryer. Iron, and both beach and bath towels are included. Each bedroom has a porch outside the room with seating for two.

There is a spacious living room which opens onto the verandah and pool area. Here you will find Hughes Net satellite internet ( both fixed desk top and a wireless router), Cable TV ( also in each bedroom), XM radio receiver for music both inside and around the pool, DVD and CD player.

The furniture throughout is built for people of above average size, as one of the owners is 6'3" tall and tips in at about 250. The daytime temperature year round is mostly in the 80's, with the French Doors open and the trade winds off the sea you will find it quite comfortable without the air conditioning on. On the other hand we usually close up the doors in the evening and turn on the A/C in the bedrooms to keep the humidity at a comfortable level.

The property has a large assortment of fine Belizean artwork displayed throughout.

Ernesto and Samantha are our caretakers and live in their casita ( smaller house) toward the back of the property. They are there to make sure your trip is comfortable and safe. They will help you with local knowledge regarding activities, shopping, restaurants, etc. We have written about Ernesto's services in the "Location Description" below. You should also know that Samantha is a great cook in the island tradition of beans and rice, local herbs, fruit and veggies and entrees of fish, chicken, shrimp, conch and pork. She charges $50 US + the cost of ingredients to prepare, cook, serve and clean up a meal for up to 4 people....add $12.50 for each added person. If you go out with Ernesto fishing, spear-fishing or diving for lobster &/or conch you entree will be taken care of. He will prepare the catch and present it to Samantha for cooking.

One more gem to mention....Betsy. She is our guard dog. Very friendly to our guests and very good at keeping vendors and outsiders at a distance.

Upon arrival into San Pedro Ernesto will greet you and upon departure he will make sure you are delivered to the airport/ water taxi on time....Read more

About the owner

Wes & Teresa Witt

Map

18 Degrees North San Pedro, Belize Cayes, Belize

What's Nearby:

Restaurants
Attractions
Nearby Rentals

Additional Location Information

We are located 6 miles north of San Pedro Town ...the only town on Ambergris Caye. The property is located at a section of the reef referred to by the locals as "Mexico Rocks." The property is very private. There are no homes on the lots adjacent to us , so no one looking over the fence or into the pool area.
Your weekly rent includes one daily round trip boat ride to San Pedro on our 25' skiff captained by Ernesto, your "Man Friday" while with us on the island.
In addition to your boat captain Ernesto is a certified Belizean Tour Guide, who can take you on 1/2 day or full day trips to go snorkeling, fishing, spear-fishing, diving for conch &/or lobster, cave tubing, zip-lining through the jungle canopy, etc. He is there to make your stay an adventure to remember. Just ask us to send you his rate sheet with prices and descriptions for his trips.

More About This Location

Beach or lakeside relaxation, Warm winter getaways, Waterfront

Availability

Last updated on March 01, 2015

Not available for your dates? Check availability for 142 other San Pedro rentals

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

18 Degrees North Christmas Trip

Left on 02/17/2015 for a stay in December 2014 | Steve B

Spectacular! Our stay was the best family trip we've ever taken...complete with a beautiful relaxed setting of the private home and view out to the reef, fantastic local food, adventures snorkeling & spear fishing, cool day trips to Caye Caulker & Shell Island, and the expertise of both Ernesto & Samantha. We ate like royalty with Ernesto helping us spear lobster and snapper then Samantha treated us to local recipes that really made our trip a cool experience. All of our friends flipped over our photos and stories and several will be booking trips to 18 Degrees North as well. Having access to the boat and Ernesto for adventures and trips to San Pedro for supplies made it easy. The people are friendly and the beauty of the water and island elude words. The question for us is not IF we will return but rather WHEN we will return...

Relaxing get-a-way with just enough adventure

Left on 10/31/2014 for a stay in October 2014 | Paula S

Upon arrival in San Pedro we were promptly met by Ernesto (caretaker) for a short boat ride to 18 Degrees N. Ernesto is a very helpful guide of the area and was attentive to all of our needs. Samantha (caretaker) cooked us fresh Lobster two of our nights which was delicious. We went by boat on short ride off dock and Ernesto dove down to collect fresh conch and later that evening we had fresh ceviche prepared by Ernesto, which was the best I have ever tasted. It also was great just watching him getting the conch out of shell.
The weather was wonderful and even the rain we had one day was welcome to cool the breeze. It was beautiful just to see the storm clouds over the water. It did not hamper any of our adventures. Gorgeous sunrise can be seen from the beach house. If you walk a short distance down beach at the resort of X'tan Ha you can see the other side of island and view spectacular sunsets. We ate there one night and had the hamburger which we should of shared.
Just off the end of the dock we snorkeled and saw stingrays (under dock) and several tropical fish and some coral. Just a short boat ride out from the dock is the reef which more tropical fish and coral and stingrays can be seen.
We went into the town of San Pedro which is a boat ride by Ernesto and went to various restaurants including, Fido's, Estel's by the sea, Caroline's (across from airport), Wild Mangos and all were excellent. I am not sure you can get a bad meal anywhere on the island. Also visited an out of the way Karaoke bar with a host of local characters, lots of fun and great sound system. A must visit is Wahoo's Lounge to see the famous "Chicken Drop" which was held on Thursday. Also, must eat a "Fry Jack" while there. If you have to ask what that is (which we did), then this is a MUST.
I definitely recommend 18 Degrees N to stay at while in Ambergris Caye because of the beauty, quite, beach, fresh water pool and reef close by just to name a few amenities. Ernesto is there at all times to take you on any tour and boat you into town. If you do not want to cook you have Samantha there to prepare you dinner.
We stayed 5 nights and wish we could of stayed longer. Will stay at 18 Degrees N the next time to Ambergris Caye.

Better than you can imagine!

Our entire experience at 18 degrees North was better than we could imagine.

The owners, Wes and Teresa were wonderful to deal with. They answered all of our questions and concerns. They have a fantastic rental.

The house is beautiful and just as comfortable as home. We had four adults in the house and were very satisfied with the space. The amenities in the home were great and very clean and well maintained. The pool, the view, and even the hammocks are amazing. The pictures on the web site are accurate only it is far better than a photo.

Ernesto is friendly, helpful, and always ready to be of assistance. With his help we chose to experience some fantastic adventures such as snorkeling, viewing sea life and other sea treasures, visiting nearby islands, exploring Mayan ruins and fishing for and eating fish and lobster freshly caught and cooked by Samantha.

We highly recommend this rental property to anyone thinking about a vacation. We have given the name 18 Degrees North to many of our friends and family that are considering a trip to Belize. We say, "Go and enjoy! It is better than you can imagine!"

Peaceful, scenic, relaxing vacation of a lifetime!

Left on 07/07/2014 for a stay in June 2014 | Jane H

18 Degrees North lived up to all of our expectations. From the initial planning with the owner Wes to our departure, everything was seamless. It was great to have a caretaker on site - Ernesto; Ernesto also is a licensed tour guide and was able to customize some trips for our family (traveled with hubby and three kids). I highly recommend the Shell Island Excursion and snorkeling with the manatees on the reef (my personal highlight). His prices are competitive with other guides and I recommend using him. The house was ideal for a family as it had a well kept beach and shallow waters to play in. The house was well-equipped and quite comfortable. Ernesto's wife will prepare meals for you if desired - we used her our first night there, as I anticipated that we would be weary from traveling - great call. She also taught me and my daughters how to make homemade tortillas - yum! We will be returning to Belize - we have travelled extensively in the Caribbean and in Mexico, and honestly, the people in Belize are among the nicest! Looking forward to our return. Also - make sure that you dine at the restaurants neighboring the house (Portafino {they will pick you up and drop you off via boat for free} and the one just a short walk up the beach to the left - name slipping me - Mayan something - have a great breakfast as well as lunch and dinner).

A FlipKey verified reviewer
Park City

An amazing week in Belize

Left on 04/29/2014 for a stay in January 2014 | A FlipKey verified reviewer

What an amazing place to stay to start a new year we loved our time at 18 degrees north. Ernesto and his family made it feel right at home. Samantha's cooking was amazing and my kids love having constant playmates and fishing buddies. Ernesto was a wonderful host and we really enjoy the mainland tour and Lamani. How exciting!! Caught bonefish, permit, and speared lobster and snapper and diving for conch. Love shark ray alley & Hol Chan. Mexico rocks snorkeling is a new family favorite the kids will be talking about petting sharks, rays, and turtles for a long time Caye Caulker is a fun stop and not to be missed we loved Belize. Thanks again for a wonderful time.

Quiet & peaceful.

Left on 03/12/2014 for a stay in February 2014 | Kim W

18 Degrees North was everything we had hoped for and imagined for our stay. the house was in a quiet location, in the north part of ambergris Caye which is more remote. We rented bikes in San Pedro & rode to various resorts for lunches out or shopping. The pool and deck at the house were very nice, relaxing, well maintained. Ernesto & Samantha are wonderful hosts and helped us with anything we needed or had questions on. We utilized Ernesto for 3 excursions & had a blast! We went spear fishing & Samantha cooked our catch for a delicious meal; we snorkeled at Shark Ray alley & went to Caye Caulker; a fly fishing excursion on the west side of the island. Ernesto was very friendly, educated us on the area & history, and was always a good conversationalist & story teller! We would repeat this trip & we highly recommend the house to anyone looking for a memorable trip. Read more

Response from Wes & Teresa Witt - 03/12/2014

Owner's response:

We are so glad that you had a wonderful time. Whether it is just having a peaceful time at our quiet location, or going on excursions, we feel that our home is the best of both worlds and we are glad that you felt the same. Our goal is for you to have the best experience possible during your stay. We hope to see you again soon.

Kind Regards
Wes & Teresa
18 Degrees North

Denise
TX

Absolute Serenity

Left on 08/12/2012 for a stay in July 2012 | Denise

We spent a few short days at 18 Degrees North in July. It was the most peaceful place I've ever stayed. At a little more than 6 miles North of San Pedro, it is a perfect spot for those seeking quiet. And, if you really want to go into town, the on-site caretaker, Ernesto, will take you once per day free of charge. Ernesto and family live behind the house and take very good care of your needs without getting in your way. The family, including the "security" dogs are very friendly. Dogs truly distinguish between tourists and locals they are not already familiar with. It is funny to watch. Be sure to have Samantha cook for you! She prepares amazing local meals and at only $50 plus ingredients, you get an even better meal than the nice restaurant, Portofino, down the beach. You also get very enjoyable conversation while she prepares your meal and cleans up after you. The views are amazing from your own private pool and try the hammocks on the palapa...also excellent way to relax. To top it off, Ernesto is also a licensed tour guide (extra fee but reasonable) and can take you snorkeling, spear fishing, to the mainland for the jungle and Mayan ruins, etc. Be sure he takes you to Shark Ray alley/Hol Chan Marine Reserve. My father in-law has snorkeled many places to include the Great Barrier Reef but said that was the best snorkeling of his life. I enjoyed it even more than my awesome scuba dives on the reef here. It was sad to go and we will be back! Oh and let me mention a few things about the house...A/C in each room, two large bathrooms with dual vanities, massive showers (over 5'x5'), very comfortable beds and very good floor plan. Also if you must, there is full satellite TV and internet/Wi-Fi. Thank you Bob and Tracey for sharing your little peace of heaven with us!

Beautiful Belize

Left on 02/20/2012 for a stay in February 2012 | Todd

Got home last night after what was unquestionably the best vacation I have ever had! I can't tell you how much we enjoyed our trip! As we browsed the pictures, we have already said we will definitely be back! Thanks again, you really have an amazing home in Belize!

Our stay was more than we expected... Come and visit and you wi

Left on 02/13/2012 for a stay in January 2012 | A FlipKey verified reviewer

Randy, I and another couple were really pleased the way we found property. It was everything it was described in the listing. The house was very beautiful with all the local artwork on the walls. The rooms were very spacious and the air conditioning worked great. Ernesto was the greatest. He took very good care of us. Giving great ideas for us to do. He took us fishing, lobster spearing, snorkeling, cave tubing, Maya ruins and swimming and snorkeling in shark alley. His family was beautiful also. We enjoyed seeing the kids get on their school boat everyday. Really different than seeing our kids getting on the big yellow bus in our area. We had Samantha (Ernesto's wife) fix our catch of the day (lobster and fish), was very good. We highly recommend anyone to come here if you just want some good rest and relaxation this is the place to come. You could walk down the beach to a very nice restaurant call Portafina and had a wonderful meal and drinks. You can also have Ernesto take a boat trip into town to enjoy the local food and drinks. Fido's is also a great place to eat in town. You set on the beach so you can watch the boats and people come and go. In all, the people are very friendly. I almost forgot to commit on the most important fixtures at the house. That would be Risa, Rojo & Betsy. They are the dogs that live at the house. They were great guard dogs to have around when you were on the dock or they were great to take with you as you walk down the beach. They bark at anyone who walks by or rides by on a bike. Funny they only barked at the locals. :) We thank you Bob and Tracy for letting us stay at your house. Also thanks for the full moon. Made for some great pictures. Randy, Tori, Jeff and Renee. Read more

Response from Wes & Teresa Witt - 02/13/2012

Owner's response:

Randy, Tori, et al,
We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience at 18 Degrees North and that once again Ernesto & Samantha showed our guests a complete Belizean experience.
Hope to see you and your expanding family back again in the future.
Bob & Tracey

2 couples from MN
MN

"We were living a dream!"

Left on 02/11/2012 for a stay in January 2012 | 2 couples from MN

"We were living a dream!"

We pinched ourselves every day to make sure this wasn't a dream! The facilities were in excellent condition. The real thing is even more beautiful than the listing photos. We had no surprises. We especially liked the speaker system because we could connect our ipod and listen to good music inside and outside the house. Lister and caretaker are courteous and attentive. I would recommend this place to anyone who desires a quiet, private and relaxing vacation. Take advantage of all excursions: you are very close to the best snorkeling! Read more

Response from Wes & Teresa Witt - 02/11/2012

Owner's response:

Dear Judy,
I know it doesn't take too much else to please a Minnesotan who happens to be on a Caribbean island in the middle of February, but we appreciate your kind comments. We hope to see you back again in the near future.
Bob & Tracey
Owners, 18 Degrees North

A FlipKey verified reviewer
Minnesota

Amazing!

Left on 02/08/2012 for a stay in December 2011 | A FlipKey verified reviewer

Our family of five (parents and three young adults) just came back from a week at 18 Degrees North, Our trip was nothing short of amazing. The property is beautiful and the view will take your breath away. Ernesto was a wonderful guide. He took us spear fishing (so cool) and we speared fish and lobster and Samantha cooked it all for us for dinner! He also took us snorkeling and to the Mayan ruins and cave tubing. The dogs, Betsy, Rojo and Brisa were our poolside companions (they are so sweet), and they are very protective of 18 Degrees North which made us feel very safe. We loved this experience and would highly recommend it!

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